1 Bucs

NFC 2001 - Ranking the NFC

DRIVING FORCE: Derrick Brooks is the most consistent and respected player in the clubhouse.

RISING FORCE: The addition of DE Simeon Rice -- his career average of 10 sacks per season bests Warren Sapp's -- might be more significant than the signing of QB Brad Johnson.

ON OFFENSE: Brad Johnson-to-Keyshawn Johnson. It could be a welcome sight. So, too, should TB Warrick Dunn getting the ball early and often.

ON DEFENSE: Much of Tampa Bay's failings last year were dumped in the offense's lap, but for all the hype and bravado the Bucs underachieved on defense in 2000 -- especially in the playoff loss at Philadelphia. Sapp has dropped 30 pounds in anticipation that Rice's arrival could make for one of the game's most ferocious front fours.

THE BUZZ: The Bucs are the NFC front-runners for the Super Bowl, even more so than they were as a trendy pick last season.